Brendan Rodgers: ‘I thought we did enough to win the game’

Liverpool boss admits defensive mistakes were key in Old Trafford defeat

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers shows his frustration during the Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Photograph:  Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers shows his frustration during the Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers claimed his side "did enough to win the game" despite their 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Goals from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie sealed victory but it was United goalkeeper David De Gea who took the plaudits after keeping Liverpool at bay from a host of chances.

“I thought we did enough to win the game,” Rodgers told Sky Sports 1. “We created enough chances to win the game but we also made defensive mistakes.

“It probably epitomised our season, we’re not prolific enough in terms of goalscoring.

READ SOME MORE

“I think David De Gea was man of the match, that doesn’t surprise me. I’ve seen him have four or five games like that.

“The first half we were the better side but we can’t concede the goals we did. We nearly went in front and they broke up the other end and got a goal, we lost a runner from midfield which you can’t do.”

“It’s easy, we know what the solutions are but we have to keep working and hopefully the confidence will return.

“At least we created the opportunities and if we can cut out the mistakes we’re going to be in with a chance of winning more games.”

De Gea said: “I’m really happy with the three points. We played a very good game and scored three goals, it’s fantastic.

“The first half I saved two against (Raheem) Sterling and the second half (Mario) Balotelli, and we scored three goals and won the game.”

Van Persie added: “It was a very good game, outstanding from David again. He was absolutely brilliant – like always, my man!”

Mata’s goal appeared offside after a slight touch from Van Persie in the build-up, which the Dutchman owned up to afterwards.

He said: “I got a touch, I have to be honest . . . so you can put that down as an assist!”